"This is our home, not a tip" — that’s the message behind a major new campaign by Ealing Council to tackle fly-tipping and hold offenders accountable with tougher penalties.

From now on, those caught illegally dumping waste could face fines of up to £1,000—more than double the previous maximum of £400. This significant increase highlights how seriously the council is taking the issue.

The crackdown comes alongside the launch of a borough-wide awareness campaign aimed at educating residents about the impacts of fly-tipping, encouraging proper waste disposal, and promoting community action through reporting.

---

In 2024 alone, 22,730 fly-tipping incidents were recorded across Ealing. The clean-up costs the council around £3 million each year—money that could otherwise fund crucial services such as

• Installing 200 additional CCTV cameras to boost community safety
• Fixing 32,000 potholes across local roads
• Providing 4,000+ weeks of support at day care centres for vulnerable adults

Greener Ealing Ltd, the borough’s waste and recycling contractor, collects 98% of reported fly-tips within two working days. However, that time and effort could be redirected to keeping streets cleaner if illegal dumping were reduced.

---

The council uses evidence found in the dumped rubbish, CCTV, and witness videos to identify and fine offenders. It’s a resource-intensive process—but a necessary one to maintain the borough’s cleanliness and safety.

Community involvement is a key part of the strategy. Ealing Council is working closely with local groups such as LAGER Can, a volunteer organisation that runs regular litter-picking events and reports fly-tipping incidents. Residents can learn more or get involved at www.lagercan.co.uk.

---

Council leader Peter Mason said:
"Whether it be a single bag of rubbish or heap of household furniture, fly-tipping is a blight on our streets and has a direct impact on the environment and the quality of life for our residents. It is also drain on council funds, which would be better spent supporting our residents."

"By raising the fines to £1,000, we are sending a clear message that illegal waste dumping will not be tolerated."

Councillor Paul Driscoll, cabinet member for climate action, added:
"The increased fines, partnership with LAGER Can and launch of the ‘This is our home, not a tip’ campaign will all help to show our communities’ united front against these anti-social dumpers. A big thank you to LAGER Can’s volunteers. We all want a clean, safe borough, and we won’t let a few spoil it for the many."

---

The view of the residents

"Southall residents are tired of being ignored. Tired of walking through filth. Tired of excuses. Other parts of the borough are kept clean - why not Southall?"

The Gurdwara Ramgarhia Sabha on Oswald road tweeted "Fly-tipping is taking a toll on our community, jeopardizing our health, and wreaking havoc on our environment. The residents of Southall are done with this. It's time for us to stand together and make a change."

"Have you seen rubbish, old mattresses, and broken furniture in our area, attracting pests and posing health risks? Sign our petition to the Ealing Council.

---

The petition states that "We, the undersigned, are fed up with the disgraceful and ongoing problem of fly-tipping on the streets of Southall — and the lack of serious, effective action from Ealing Council to stop it."

Fly-tipping can be reported via the Love Clean Streets app or directly through the Ealing Council website.